Observatorio Astronómico del CURE

On Uruguay's eastern coast, in the Rocha department, the Observatorio Astronómico del CURE has combined research and public astronomical tourism since it was inaugurated on 2 September 2016.

About Observatorio Astronómico del CURE

The observatory is run by the Physical Sciences group at the Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE), part of Uruguay's Universidad de la República (UdelaR), and sits at the PROBIDES facility, a centre dedicated to the conservation and sustainable development of the region's wetlands.

History

The project began in 2014 and opened to the public two years later, in September 2016. It is named in honour of Julio Fernández, a Uruguayan astronomer elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences in May 2016.

Telescopes & research

The observatory operates a Meade 0.30 m equatorial telescope under an automated 2.5-metre AshDome, paired with an SBIG STT-1603 ME CCD camera. A control room with surveillance cameras and a meteorological station supports operations. Alongside observational research suited to its equipment, its main mission is university extension work and public astronomical tourism.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Uruguay's Rocha department, on South America's Atlantic coast, at the PROBIDES wetlands conservation facility.

Visiting Observatorio Astronómico del CURE

Astronomical tourism and public outreach are central to the observatory's mission, so visits are actively encouraged; checking current session times before travelling is recommended.

See your named star from here

With its own equatorial telescope and a mission built around public astronomy, this is a natural place to see a star named through Star Register from the southern hemisphere. Check the catalogue for your star's coordinates before your visit.